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To be suspicious is not a fault. To be suspicious all the time without coming to a conclusion is the defect.
Lu Xun
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Being cautious and questioning is healthy, but excessive suspicion without resolution can be problematic.

This quote reflects the idea that skepticism can be beneficial when it leads to thoughtful consideration and understanding. However, when suspicion becomes a constant state of mind without reaching conclusions or taking action, it can hinder one's ability to engage with reality and foster trust in relationships.

Themes

SuspicionDoubtTrustSkepticismConclusion

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about trust in relationships, this quote can highlight the balance needed between healthy skepticism and unfounded suspicion.

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Lies written in ink cannot disguise facts written in blood.
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I felt that if a man's proposals met with approval, it should encourage him; if they met with opposition, it should make him fight back; but the real tragedy for him was to lift up his voice among the living and meet with no response neither approval nor opposition just as if he were left helpless in a boundless desert.
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I thought: hope cannot be said to exist, nor can it be said not to exist. It is just like roads across the earth. For actually the earth had no roads to begin with, but when many men pass one way, a road is made.
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